In this episode of the Designers & Builders Podcast, Steve Larosiliere interviews Micah Stanley, partner at Lawton Stanley Architects. They cover the early journey of launching the firm, the impact of architecture education, and how strong client relationships shape successful projects. Micah reflects on their first major project, Grace Restaurant, and how it influenced their approach to design. The conversation explores the dynamics of business partnerships, the challenges of restaurant and large-scale projects, and the growing focus on sustainable design—highlighting trends like rain screen systems, higher insulative values, and mass timber construction. Micah also shares his outlook on the architecture industry, emphasizing the value of creative, engaged clients, and his passion for public architecture. He highlights the success of the Evera project and wraps up the discussion with marketing strategies to grow visibility and keep clients connected, particularly through email campaigns.

Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Starting a firm takes resilience, energy, and adaptability.
2. Strong client communication and trust are crucial for effective design.
3. Sustainability is driving design trends, with timber and energy-efficient systems on the rise.
4. Large-scale and public architecture projects offer rich learning and creative opportunities.
5. Strategic marketing, especially through email, helps build visibility and client engagement.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Lawton Stanley Architects

03:06 — The Early Days of Starting a Business

05:53 — Educational Background and Its Impact

09:09 — First Major Project: Grace Restaurant

12:04 — Building Client Relationships

15:02 — Collaborative Dynamics in Partnership

18:06 — Navigating Challenges in Restaurant Design

20:58 — Large-Scale Projects and Learning Experiences

23:05 — Trends in Sustainable Design

26:21 — Business Outlook and Market Trends

28:13 — Ideal Clients and Project Aspirations

29:36 — Highlighting the Evera Project

33:08 — Marketing Strategies for Growth

You can connect with Micah at:

https://www.ls-arch.com/about